Page 193 - Never Too Far Away? The Roles of Social Network Sites in Sojourners’ Adjustment

to talk about (Philippine) politics – so depressing! Hahaha. To my bellygirlfriends: Nicole, Christine, Babette – I can always talk to you about anything, from the most important to the most mundane topics, and I always feel validated. I hope to shimmy with you again, soon!
I owe a big part of who I am to the University of the Philippines (UP). To UP, maraming salamat po. Gagawin ko sa abot ng aking makakaya na magsilbi sa bayan, kahit nasa malayo ako. I would also like to express my love and gratitude to my home department in UP, the Department of Psychology, for the support and understanding all throughout the years. To the senior faculty members: Ma’ams Ly, Mita, Ces, Grace, Peachy, Tess, Jang, Bolet, Annadaisy, Beth, Tonette, Sir Greg – Maraming, maraming salamat po. To my friends in the Department/UP: Mitch, Alwin, Lynn, Louella, Diwa, Bea, Christie, Dani, Divine, Summer, Ana, Kay, Jon, Mikael, Mario, Mai, Lai, Joseph, Tuting, Grace, Etoy, Atoy – Miss ko na kayo! Walang katulad nyo dito huhu! Sa mga kapamilya sa Psych at CSSP: Ate(s) Pate, Carol, Christie, Rechie, Marissa, Tess, Flora, Remy, Yolly; Kuya Collins, Kuya Rod, Nelson, Roman – salamat po sa lahat ng tulong nyo. Special thanks also to the following mentors who have given me great opportunities while I was in UP: Sirs Fidel Nemenzo, Zosimo Lee, and Michael Tan.
Aside from my home country, my face-to-face interactions with my host- country friends definitely helped me survive PhD. I am grateful to the following people who made being in the Netherlands truly fun and marvelous with superfun parties, drinks, festivals, dinners, movies, and wine nights: Sonia, Samuel, Agi, Danny, Michela, Daniele, Michaela, Mikal, Giulio, Remco, Casimir, Melissa, Hande, Hidde, Celine, Ben, Bob, Hester, Joline, Anine, MG, Jeff, Marlon, JJ, Consie, Chico, Ewa, Jacek, Jie, Giulia, and Josh.
To my Filipino network in the Netherlands, I am so fortunate to have you: Chris and David, and the rest of the Filipino-LGBT Europe Foundation; Marlon and Bituen and the members of the Filipinos against Corruption and Tyranny- NL; sa mga mahal kong kaibigan na kaisa sa pakikibaka kahit malayo sa Pilipinas (Marlon, Consie, MG, Kaye, Cherry, at Agnes).
At this point I would like to honor my dear friends and family who have made the Netherlands feel like home:
Asuman – you are my first bestfriend here in the Netherlands. I would not have survived my first year here without you. You are very special and you always have a special place in my heart.
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